Two by Astley

Two of Thea Astley's early, prize-winning novels are presented in one volume which should please both new readers and long-time fans. A Kindness Cup, which received the Australian Book of the Year Award in 1974, focuses on the evolution of a small outback town, from a place ruled by entrenched and narrow-minded elders who define their own "justice," to a more civilized community which recognizes change. A former teacher returns for a homecoming celebration twenty years after brutal events showed him the evil within the hearts of the town's rulers. Here he confronts his own role in the events and attempts to avenge the wrongs done to an old friend.The Acolyte, which won the Miles Franklin Award in 1972, focuses on the influence of a blind pianist and composer on those who admire and work for him, "the yes-men who can't do a thing ourselves." As the young "acolyte" finds himself becoming middle-aged, still in the thrall of a demanding and insensitive artist, Astley raises questions of independence vs. dependence and the factors which make some people willing to subordinate themselves to others.Both novels illustrate the great difficulty many people have in separating themselves from those with influence and power, whether that be the result of sociological pressures, as in A Kindness Cup or the result of someone's personal magnetism, as in The Acolyte. In both novels disasters occur because of a main character's weakness or helplessness. But whereas A Kindness Cup is dramatic, excruciatingly tense, and plot-driven, The Acolyte is more character-driven and philosophical, sometimes satirical, and full of religious symbolism. In this pair of novels, the reader sees Astley handling a wide variety of narrative styles, developing complex themes within concise limits, and peppering her narratives with dialogue ranging from colloquial to formally elegant. An excellent introduction to the immense talents of this Australian novelist. Mary Whipple